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Yob signed to to Neurot Recordings for new LP; Mike Scheidt, Baroness' John Baizley & others on Townes Van Zandt tribute

by Doug Moore

YOB at the Bell House, 2012 (more by Fred Pessaro)
YOB

As we’ve said before, Oregonian psych-doom unit YOB may be the best slow-and-heavy band around today. Among their many accomplishments is the role they’ve played in the ascent of Profound Lore Records, which has become one of metal’s premiere taste-making labels over the past decade. YOB signed to PFL after their brief mid-aughts hiatus for the release of The Great Cessation in 2009, and recently re-released their second album Catharsis through the label.

It thus comes as something of a surprise to hear that YOB have moved on to a different label. Specifically, they’ve signed on with Neurot Recordings, which is the in-house label for Neurosis (the other best slow-and-heavy band around today). The musicians involved have crossed paths before, having played shows together both under the YOB/Neurosis monikers as well as in solo or side-project formats. (More on that in a sec.) Comments Neurosis guitarist/vocalist Steve Von Till on the signing:

“This was meant to be. Neurot has always sought out to work with those who share in the purification of spirit through sound and who harvest their sound from originality and intensity. When I listen to YOB, see them leave it all on the stage, or share a conversation with them about life, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that they embody what Neurot stands for completely and we are so very honored that we get the opportunity to work together with them on their next album.”

The signing announcement also comes with some welcome news: YOB will release their seventh album later this year. Frontman Mike Scheidt has been quite busy with side projects lately, including both solo touring and the supergroups Vhol & Lumbar, so it’s good to hear that the gears are turning in his main band too.

Speaking of Scheidt’s solo material: he is one of the participants in the second edition of an ongoing series of Townes Van Zandt tribute LPs. (Neurosis dudes Von Till and Scott Kelly contributed to the first edition — another connection between them and YOB.) Scheidt will perform “To Live is to Fly,” “The Rake,” and “Highway Kind”; John Baizley (Baroness), Nate Hall (U.S. Christmas), Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle), Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand), and Katie Jones are also on board. Neurot will handle that release as well.

Check out a Baizley/Jones duet rendition of the TVZ classic “If I Needed You” below…

John Baizley & Katie Jones – “If I Needed You” (via Noisey)